July 24th 2025, Bridgetown, Barbados – The Visit Barbados Derby returns this Saturday, July 26th 2025 and is set to thrill local and international audiences once again. This year’s Derby marks the 85th running of this prestigious race.
The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. in collaboration with the Barbados Turf Club proudly announced the much-anticipated return of the Visit Barbados Derby during a recent media briefing. As the third leg of the prestigious Barbados Triple Crown Series, the Derby is both a cultural event and a globally respected benchmark in the world of horse-racing.
This year’s Visit Barbados Derby boasts a purse of $68,000 BDS plus $37,250 in nomination fees, bringing the total prize money to a staggering $105,250. The winner takes home $57,888, a fifty-five percent share of the purse. Second place earns $24,207, third place gets $14,735, and fourth place receives $8,420.
“The Visit Barbados Derby is an expression of Barbadian pride, culture and hospitality. With world-class racing and vibrant entertainment, this year’s event promises to be the highlight of the season and a beacon for global visitors,” said Manager, Sports, BTMI, Kamal Springer.
“Horse-racing in Barbados continues to bring tourism to the island. We are happy to have The Visit Barbados Derby be a signature event on the horse-racing calendar moving forward.”  
 
Social event like no other
Mohammed Mohamad, Horsemans’ Liaison Officer at the Barbados Turf Club, explained that the Derby is the final chapter of what horse racing fans call the Triple Crown. It is a series of three races, each with its own unique challenge and reputation, culminating in the Derby, the longest race of the three, a true test of speed and stamina.
“To win all three races is to earn the status of immortality in Barbadian horse racing history. Three races. Three distances. Three different strengths tested. To put its difficulty into perspective, the Triple Crown has only been won eight times in eighty-six years, and every year the Derby always proves the hardest race to win. This year, with two different winners of the first two legs, fans will have to wait another year for another chance to see the fabled Triple Crown,” said Mohamad.
“The Visit Barbados Derby is a social event like no other on the island. It draws people from every walk of life to the Garrison Savannah. Expect the finest outfits, buzzing betting circles, the irresistible aroma of local food, flowing rum, and the lively chatter of fans eager to witness history. The Visit Barbados Derby is where tradition meets entertainment, where sport and culture intertwine to create an experience unlike any other.”
 
A Cultural and Sporting Showcase
This year’s event will be a celebration of Barbados’ culture in addition to the daytime races. The day’s schedule will include eight thrilling races from noon to 5:00 p.m. with the 85th Visit Barbados Derby as the marquee event. Between races, patrons will be treated to performances from top Barbadian entertainers including Mikey, Nikita, Salt, It’s Jus and Rhea Layne; stilt walkers, drummers and a vibrant BTMI parade that will showcase dozens of costumed dancers themed around Crop Over.
Tickets for this event are at an affordable cost of $15.00 BDS for general admission; $25.00 BDS for the Grand Stand and $40.00 BDS for the VIP Grand Stand.
 
Global Partnerships
Manager, Sports at BTMI, Kamal Springer noted that the team continues to work with international media to promote this event around the world. With their strategic media relations, there will be a massive spotlight on Barbados and the opportunity to highlight it as a premier racing and travel destination, supported by targeted digital advertising and social media storytelling.
“The Visit Barbados Derby is a key initiative in the BTMI’s strategy to position Barbados as a leading sports tourism destination. By aligning with the Crop Over season and targeting high-net-worth travellers, the event is expected to contribute significantly to visit arrivals and economic activity,” Springer said.
 
Looking ahead
Looking to 2026, the Visit Barbados Derby presents an exceptional travel opportunity for global audiences. The event falls just before the climax of one of Barbados’ most signature events, Crop Over. With the Derby typically taking place in late July, international visitors can time their trips to experience the best of both world; the action of the Visit Barbados Derby and the vibrant culture and festivities of the Crop Over Festival.
“Next year, we are encouraging our global visitors to plan early to attend both events! The Derby, coupled with Crop Over will be the ultimate cultural and sporting escape. With the growing popularity of sports tourism and cultural festivals, the Visit Barbados Derby is poised to become a key draw on the international events calendar for July 2026. So we encourage you to secure your travel and accommodations early,” said Manager, Sports, BTMI, Kamal Springer.
Travellers can explore the island beyond the races making their trip to Barbados a holistic Caribbean getaway.